Alessandra Keller wins Lenzerheide in one of the most exciting XCO races of the year

The Women's XCO World Cup in Lenzerheide provided a true spectacle with Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon) dominating at home in front of a dedicated crowd. The Swiss rider delivered a performance of power and endurance to defeat the world champion Jenny Rissveds (Canyon CLLCTV XCO), who finished second, while Savilia Blunk (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) completed the podium after a day full of unexpected twists.

Alessandra Keller wins in Lenzerheide: an unpredictable race from the start

The start was lightning fast. Jenny Rissveds came out strong from the initial loop and opened up a gap, closely followed by Samara Maxwell and Evie Richards. Savilia Blunk also showed her cards early on, even leading the race in the third lap, but a fall while in the lead forced her to regroup.

The Swiss rider Alessandra Keller, supported by the local crowd, stayed in the mix throughout. After catching up to Rissveds in the fourth lap, the pressure from Keller started to take effect and the Swedish rider began to lose ground. Meanwhile, Evie Richards made a strong comeback to third place, but an untimely puncture in the last lap left her without a chance at the podium.

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With the bell ringing for the final lap, the tension was at its peak. Keller launched her final attack on the climb and managed to open up a gap that proved decisive. Rissveds, exhausted but determined, tried to follow her without success. Richards, who had briefly passed the Swedish rider, saw her chances disappear due to a mechanical issue.

The podium was ultimately decided with Keller in first, Rissveds in second, and Blunk in third, after a spectacular comeback from the American rider following her initial fall.

Final Classification (Top 10)

1. Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon) – 1:24:10
2. Jenny Rissveds (Canyon CLLCTV XCO) +16
3. Savilia Blunk (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) +25
4. Evie Richards (Trek Factory Racing - Pirelli) +44
5. Laura Stigger (Specialized Factory Racing) +50
6. Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) +1:32
7. Candice Lill +1:37
8. Jennifer Jackson (Orbea Fox Factory Team) +1:53
9. Martina Berta (Origine Racing Division) +2:54
10. Jolanda Neff (Cannondale Factory Racing) +3:24